I started seeing a Psychiatrist about 13 years ago. I was diagnosed with all kinds of mental problems. Clinically depressed then bipolar and finally GAD. I didn't know that that most horrible of my symptoms was anxiety. The Dr started me on a very low dosage eventually my Dr found that 2mg 3x a day was the magic dose.I felt almost "normal" again which was a godsend. I couldn't even leave my house or think straight until the doc helped me. I was on that dose for over a decade. We tried weaning off it a few times and my anxiety just starting intensifying over a month or so until I was back on 6mg a day. I've tried so many other meds like cymbalta and effexor not to mention probably 20 other meds. Nothing helped. I've suffered once without it for months because I moved and had to switch drs. The few I've seen wouldn't prescribe more than 1mg 3x. It just doesn't help. It cuts it by maybe 20-25%.I feel like I'm being placed in the screwed up position of Dr shopping.I don't want to nor should I have to do that. I've even had a few quacks tell me there's no such thing as anxiety disorder. Really?I suffer every day. I wake up in the middle of the night like a heart attack victim crawling on his knees for his nitro. I don't understand. Why am I made to suffer when my old dosage of 3x2 worked for me.It seems the drs are scared to write a stronger dose than 1x3 a day which doesn't help much. Sometimes I just want to end it to get final relief but I would never harm myself.I have children who need me. Just the thought seems to help a bit.Any suggestions?I can't live like this.

Responses (2)

I am so sorry to hear this, more and more those of us truly in need get labeled and denied what we need. Is there any chance you can reach out to the Dr you had? It's a long shot, but possible glimmer of hope he/she may be able to communicate with a decent physician in your area now.

Not sure why there was weaning off of something that helped for a decade. It's a hard place to be in when you know what works for you, because, as you're finding out, Drs do not like to be TOLD what to prescribe. As far as the "no such thing" remark, that's what they'll say when the real message is "I don't want you as a patient."

Either way know that there is hope and something will eventually come through, you have to learn to play their game and do the best you can to endure in the meantime. Doctors (most, not all) are more about pride and ego than they are about care these days. Once you find one who seems decent, you'll have to try what they recommend before they come around to the "what has helped you in the past" question, even then you have to be calm and matter-of-fact about your answer.

More important is reporting what DID NOT work, especially Cymbalta, that stuff can be awful when it's not for you. They will listen to what did not work, so long as that list isn't too long and forcing them into the alternative you want.

It is very unfortunate that our drs are forced to not treat us if its a medication the government deems harmful. Drs are loosing their licenses if they prescribe controlled drugs for a long period of time like a chronic problem goes away. You're not alone believe me.